Ademola Lookman and Ibrahim Sulemana were the heroes as Atalanta sealed a return to the UEFA Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Roma in Bergamo on Sunday night.
Lookman got La Dea up and running inside 10 minutes, showing sharp movement and a composed finish after Charles De Ketelaere’s clever ball into the box.
The Nigerian’s goal set the tone for an Atalanta side determined to ensure their top-four status with two games to spare.
Roma, unbeaten in 21 matches across all competitions, clawed their way back into the game through Bryan Cristante’s glancing header just after the half-hour mark, punishing De Ketelaere for earlier missed chances.
But just when it looked like the match might drift towards a draw, Lookman turned provider. His low cross was only partially cleared and fell perfectly for Ghanaian midfielder Sulemana, who lashed in a stunning first-time finish from the edge of the area to reignite celebrations at the Gewiss Stadium.
The win lifts Gian Piero Gasperini’s men beyond reach in third place, locking in their place among Europe’s elite next season.
Roma, meanwhile, must regroup with two games left to salvage their own Champions League hopes.
